Okay, I didn't get the answer to the black armband question so I had to do a search myself. The origin of the black armband is as a sign of mourning or protest. It appears that since the gay community is in constant protest, the black armband has become a fashionable accessory item signifying solidarity with the gay community (it is also quite spiffy looking). Perhaps the "reverend" supports this religious groups call for black armbands in support of gay marriages?
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